EP1525592A2 - Device for adjustment of the anti-scattering grid to the focal length for radiological equipment - Google Patents

Device for adjustment of the anti-scattering grid to the focal length for radiological equipment

Info

Publication number
EP1525592A2
EP1525592A2 EP03736004A EP03736004A EP1525592A2 EP 1525592 A2 EP1525592 A2 EP 1525592A2 EP 03736004 A EP03736004 A EP 03736004A EP 03736004 A EP03736004 A EP 03736004A EP 1525592 A2 EP1525592 A2 EP 1525592A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
grid
members
focal length
pressing
pair
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP03736004A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1525592B1 (en
Inventor
Luigi Besana
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mecall Srl
Original Assignee
Mecall Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mecall Srl filed Critical Mecall Srl
Publication of EP1525592A2 publication Critical patent/EP1525592A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1525592B1 publication Critical patent/EP1525592B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G21—NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
    • G21K—TECHNIQUES FOR HANDLING PARTICLES OR IONISING RADIATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; IRRADIATION DEVICES; GAMMA RAY OR X-RAY MICROSCOPES
    • G21K1/00—Arrangements for handling particles or ionising radiation, e.g. focusing or moderating
    • G21K1/02—Arrangements for handling particles or ionising radiation, e.g. focusing or moderating using diaphragms, collimators
    • G21K1/04—Arrangements for handling particles or ionising radiation, e.g. focusing or moderating using diaphragms, collimators using variable diaphragms, shutters, choppers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to radiological equipments, and in particular to a device for the adjustment of the anti-scattering grid to the different focal lengths that a radiological equipment can provide.
  • the grid change implies a double drawback both for the decrease in the intrinsic efficiency of the equipment and for the safety of the population, in terms of erroneous exposures.
  • the fact of having to change the grid when the focal length is modified dilates the times for carrying out the radiographies and thus reduces the productivity of the equipment, besides involving the additional space taken up by the unused grid and possible difficulties of change by inexperienced operators.
  • the operator does not change the grid this jeopardizes the result of the examination, thus leading to a useless exposure of the patient who will have to repeat the examination.
  • the first of these drawbacks is particularly limiting in the case of the modern equipments for digital radiology, characterized by a potentially high productivity thanks to the use as detector of a single digital detector (of the type with diodes and scintillator) suitable for examinations both at short and long focal length and even without the presence of the grid.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a device which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.
  • the main advantage of the present device is exactly that of dispensing with the grid change when the focal length is modified, so as to minimize the setup time of the equipment for a different examination and to optimize its exploitation.
  • the latter is specifically adjusted to the focal length set on the equipment.
  • a grid focused at 130 cm can usually be utilized for distances between 110 and 15Q cm, but thanks to the present device it can be precisely adjusted for distances between 130 and 150 cm with the range of use extended up to 180 cm.
  • FJ .l is a diagram showing the principle of the adjustment of the grid upon modification of the focal length
  • Fig.2 is a top plan diagrammatic view of the present device
  • Fig.3 is a diagrammatic view in vertical section along line HI-11I of fig.2, with the device in the rest position;
  • Fig.4 is a view similar to the preceding one with the device activated;
  • Fig.5 is a diagrammatic front view showing a possible driving system for the device;
  • Fig.6 is a detail in vertical section along line VI- VI of fig.3 of the grid mounting system.
  • Fig.7 is a Cartesian chart with the data relating to a specific embodiment of the device.
  • the reference line r i.e. the grid
  • the grid should rotate to the position corresponding to the dotted line 1
  • the grid should therefore rise at a height d at distance x, which height d is much smaller than the height resulting at line 1' required to obtain a height d' at distance x'.
  • a rigid rotation of the grid is inadequate, as well as a mere translation, and it is necessary that the grid takes a profile defined as locus of the local deformations d, d', etc. calculated point by point with a suitable spatial resolution.
  • a specific example of such a calculation is illustrated further on, while now the general structure of the device and its simple yet effective operation will be illustrated.
  • a device according to the present invention essentially consists of a pair of contoured pressing members P mobile in the direction transverse with respect to the plane of the grid G, which is arranged between these elements P and corresponding underlying contrast members C.
  • grid G is inserted in guides formed on the inside at the top of the contrast members C and is also centrally secured to pressing members P through plates L screwed thereon from below, as better illustrated in the detail of fig.6.
  • plates L screwed thereon from below, as better illustrated in the detail of fig.6.
  • corresponding recesses K suitable to receive plates L (fig.4).
  • FIG.5 illustrates a driving system by means of a cable F passing over pulleys E, E' respectively arranged on members P, C so that by pulling on cable F said elements are brought near and by releasing it springs U return them to the rest position.
  • the pull on the cables, one for each pair of members P and C will be exerted by means of a motorized drum provided with an end stop both in the opening and closing direction and controlled in correspondence with the setting of the focal length.
  • the scheme of fig.5 is merely indicative of the type of drive, in that actually the push on the pressing members P does not take place directly through pulleys E, E' but rather through members (not shown) carrying said pulleys E and vertically sliding on a fixed structure on which pulleys E' are mounted.
  • This possibility of removal of grid G is diagrammatically illustrated in fig.2, which shows retaining clips R carrying blocking teeth B for mounting said frame on said fixed structure.
  • the presence of the grid is also detected by a suitable sensor S, while its position in abutment on teeth B is guaranteed by biasing springs M which also make easier its removal when clips R are widened to disengage the removable frame.
  • the device driving system may be of any kind, e.g. with hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuators, possibly dispensing with springs U, and similarly the systems for retaining grid G between members P, C and the whole removable frame within the fixed structure may be somewhat changed by using other mechanically equivalent components.
  • the device could also be reversed if it is desired that the grid is undeformed at the shorter focal length and deformed at the longer one. h other words, in this case the pressing member P would be concave and would carry grid G whereas the contrast member C would be convex and centrally connected to the grid through a plate, i.e. the device would in practice be rotated through 180° around a horizontal axis.
  • the specific values indicated for exemplificative purpose are non-limiting in that the deformation profile will change according to the reference focal length adopted and to the amount of the difference between the two focal lengths.

Abstract

A device for the adjustment of the anti-scattering grid (G) of a radiological equipment to the different focal lengths that said equipment can provide includes a pair of pressing members (P) mobile in the direction transverse with respect to the plane of the grid (G), which is arranged and restrained between said pressing members (P) and a pair of corresponding underlying contrast members (C), the convex/concave profile of each pair of members (P, C) being obtained as locus of the local deformations, calculated point by point with a suitable spatial resolution, necessary to adjust the orientation of the segments of the grid (G) when going from one reference focal length to a second focal length.

Description

"DEVICE FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE ANTI-SCATTERING GRID TO THE FOCAL LENGTH FOR RADIOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT"
The present invention relates to radiological equipments, and in particular to a device for the adjustment of the anti-scattering grid to the different focal lengths that a radiological equipment can provide.
It is known that in radiological examinations involving significant amounts of matter there is generated a diffuse radiation which negatively affects the formation of the radiological image, since it generates an information not directly in correlation with the anatomic/morphologic structure of the part under examination.
Being not possible to eliminate the scattering since it is an intrinsic effect of the interaction of X-rays with matter, there are used anti-scattering grids which reduce the diffuse radiation which would reach the detector. Presently known grids are fixed focused grids, i.e. grids built with segments oriented along a certain angle specific for a focal length, which can be used only at the design length or at most for a limited range of focal lengths around the nominal focal length. Outside this range the grid is not usable in that it does no longer allow the transmission of the main radiation in a percentage useful for the formation of the image. For equipments with a wide range of the focus-detector distance, e.g. from
100 cm to 180 cm, the need arises to provide at least two grids and to allow the change of grid according to the type of examination, namely to the focal length set on the equipment. The grid change implies a double drawback both for the decrease in the intrinsic efficiency of the equipment and for the safety of the population, in terms of erroneous exposures. hi other words, the fact of having to change the grid when the focal length is modified dilates the times for carrying out the radiographies and thus reduces the productivity of the equipment, besides involving the additional space taken up by the unused grid and possible difficulties of change by inexperienced operators. Moreover, if the operator does not change the grid this jeopardizes the result of the examination, thus leading to a useless exposure of the patient who will have to repeat the examination. The first of these drawbacks is particularly limiting in the case of the modern equipments for digital radiology, characterized by a potentially high productivity thanks to the use as detector of a single digital detector (of the type with diodes and scintillator) suitable for examinations both at short and long focal length and even without the presence of the grid.
Therefore the object of the present invention is to provide a device which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks.
This object is achieved by means of a device which bends the grid to adjust it when the focal length is modified. Other advantageous features are disclosed in the dependent claims.
The main advantage of the present device is exactly that of dispensing with the grid change when the focal length is modified, so as to minimize the setup time of the equipment for a different examination and to optimize its exploitation.
In this way there is no space taken up by the second grid, the operator has no difficulties hi changing the focal length and it is always possible to have an optimal control of the scattering within the grid adjustment range.
In fact, rather than being satisfied with the fact that the distance is within the range in which the grid can be used, the latter is specifically adjusted to the focal length set on the equipment. For example, a grid focused at 130 cm can usually be utilized for distances between 110 and 15Q cm, but thanks to the present device it can be precisely adjusted for distances between 130 and 150 cm with the range of use extended up to 180 cm.
Another significant advantage stems from the fact that the grid adjustment can be easily made automatic and correlated with the setting of the focal length, whereby there is no longer the risk of the operator forgetting it and the good outcome of the examination is sure.
These and other advantages and characteristics of the device according to the present invention will be clear to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, with reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
FJ .l is a diagram showing the principle of the adjustment of the grid upon modification of the focal length; Fig.2 is a top plan diagrammatic view of the present device;
Fig.3 is a diagrammatic view in vertical section along line HI-11I of fig.2, with the device in the rest position;
Fig.4 is a view similar to the preceding one with the device activated; Fig.5 is a diagrammatic front view showing a possible driving system for the device;
Fig.6 is a detail in vertical section along line VI- VI of fig.3 of the grid mounting system; and
Fig.7 is a Cartesian chart with the data relating to a specific embodiment of the device.
Starting from the diagram of fig.l, there is first illustrated the principle on which the operation of the present grid adjustment device is based. indicating with fl a first longer focal length and with f2 a second shorter focal length, with pi, ql and p2, q2 there are indicated the orientations required for said respective focal lengths to two segments located respectively at x and x' distance from the focal axis which coincides with the midplane of the grid, the latter being indicated by the dotted reference line r.
To go from pi to p2 the reference line r, i.e. the grid, should rotate to the position corresponding to the dotted line 1, whereas to go from ql to q2 it should rotate to the position of the dotted line 1'. As clearly shown by said diagram, the grid should therefore rise at a height d at distance x, which height d is much smaller than the height resulting at line 1' required to obtain a height d' at distance x'.
This means that a rigid rotation of the grid is inadequate, as well as a mere translation, and it is necessary that the grid takes a profile defined as locus of the local deformations d, d', etc. calculated point by point with a suitable spatial resolution. A specific example of such a calculation is illustrated further on, while now the general structure of the device and its simple yet effective operation will be illustrated. With reference to figures 2 to 6, there is seen that a device according to the present invention essentially consists of a pair of contoured pressing members P mobile in the direction transverse with respect to the plane of the grid G, which is arranged between these elements P and corresponding underlying contrast members C.
More specifically, grid G is inserted in guides formed on the inside at the top of the contrast members C and is also centrally secured to pressing members P through plates L screwed thereon from below, as better illustrated in the detail of fig.6. To make up for the thickness of plates L, in members C there are formed corresponding recesses K suitable to receive plates L (fig.4).
Between the pressing P and contact C members there are return springs U whose resistance must be overcome to operate the device, and which are then used to return it to its rest position. Fig.5 illustrates a driving system by means of a cable F passing over pulleys E, E' respectively arranged on members P, C so that by pulling on cable F said elements are brought near and by releasing it springs U return them to the rest position. Obviously the pull on the cables, one for each pair of members P and C, will be exerted by means of a motorized drum provided with an end stop both in the opening and closing direction and controlled in correspondence with the setting of the focal length.
It should be noted that the scheme of fig.5 is merely indicative of the type of drive, in that actually the push on the pressing members P does not take place directly through pulleys E, E' but rather through members (not shown) carrying said pulleys E and vertically sliding on a fixed structure on which pulleys E' are mounted. This in necessary to allow the removal of grid G in the case of examinations which do not require it, whereby the group of grid G, pressing members P and contrast members C (connected through crossbars not shown) forms a removable frame. This possibility of removal of grid G is diagrammatically illustrated in fig.2, which shows retaining clips R carrying blocking teeth B for mounting said frame on said fixed structure. The presence of the grid is also detected by a suitable sensor S, while its position in abutment on teeth B is guaranteed by biasing springs M which also make easier its removal when clips R are widened to disengage the removable frame.
In the table hereunder there is now illustrated an example of a specific calculation of the deformations at a plurality of points along the grid, where with alphal and alpha2 there are indicated the angles (in radians) which the segments must have respectively for a focal length fl of 150 cm and for a length f2 of 130 cm, and with δ their difference from which the required local deformation is obtained. It should be noted that although the table includes the calculations only at a few points, the actual resolution of calculation is in the order of 5 mm whereby the profile of members P, C is obtained with such a resolution and then joining the points thus calculated.
x alphal alpha2 δ tgδ y = x * tg δ
h the chart of fig.7 there is shown the deformation line obtained by connecting these calculated points and which can be approximated by a parabolic curve having the equation: y = - 0,0001 x2 - 0,0006 x + 0,0082
Clearly with a curve of higher order it would be possible to achieve an even better approximation, but as previously explained such a curve has a merely indicative purpose since the actual embodiment of the device provides the use of the real values point by point.
It is clear that the above-described and illustrated embodiment of the device according to the mvention is just an example susceptible of various modifications. In particular, the device driving system may be of any kind, e.g. with hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuators, possibly dispensing with springs U, and similarly the systems for retaining grid G between members P, C and the whole removable frame within the fixed structure may be somewhat changed by using other mechanically equivalent components.
Furthermore it should be noted that the device could also be reversed if it is desired that the grid is undeformed at the shorter focal length and deformed at the longer one. h other words, in this case the pressing member P would be concave and would carry grid G whereas the contrast member C would be convex and centrally connected to the grid through a plate, i.e. the device would in practice be rotated through 180° around a horizontal axis. Finally, it is obvious that the specific values indicated for exemplificative purpose are non-limiting in that the deformation profile will change according to the reference focal length adopted and to the amount of the difference between the two focal lengths.

Claims

1. Device for the adjustment of the anti-scattering grid (G) of a radiological equipment to the different focal lengths (fl, f2) that said equipment can provide, characterized in that it includes a pair of pressing members (P) mobile in the direction transverse with respect to the plane of the grid (G), which is arranged and restrained between said pressing . members (P) and a pair of corresponding underlying contrast members (C), the convex/concave profile of each pair of said members (P, C) being obtained as locus of the local deformations (d, d',...), calculated point by point with a suitable spatial resolution, necessary to adjust the orientation of the segments of the grid (G) when going from one reference focal length (fl) to a second focal length (£2).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference focal length (fl) is longer than the second focal length (f2) and the pressing (P) and contrast (C) members respectively have a convex profile and a concave profile.
3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the grid (G) is secured to the concave profile member through introduction into lateral end guides, and to the convex profile member by means of a central plate (L) suitable to enter a corresponding recess (K) formed on said concave member.
4. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that return springs (U) are arranged between the pressing member (P) and the contrast member (C).
5. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the driving of the device is achieved by means of cables (F), one for each pair of members (P. C), passing over pulleys (E, E') suitable to transmit a pressing action to the pressing members (P), the pull on said cables (F) being exerted by a motorized drum provided with end stops both in the device closing and opening direction.
6. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contrast members (C) are connected by crossbars and the group of the grid (G), the pressing members (P) and the contrast members (C) connected by said crossbars forms a removable frame introduced into a fixed structure and blocked therein by a retention system.
7. Device according to claim 6, characterizedin that the retention system of the removable frame consists of retaining clips (R) carrying blocking teeth (B), the position of the frame in abutment on said teeth (B) being guaranteed by biasing springs (M) also suitable to make easier the removal of the frame when said clips (R) are widened to disengage it.
8. Device according to claim 6 or 1, characterized in that it further includes a sensor (S) suitable to detect the presence of the grid (G).
9. Device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operation of the device is controlled in correspondence with the setting of the focal length of the equipment.
10. Radiological equipment providing different focal lengths (fl, f2), characterized in that it includes a device for the adjustment of the anti-scattering grid (G) according to one or more of the preceding claims.
EP03736004A 2002-08-02 2003-06-23 DEVICE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF THE ANTI-SCATTERING GRID TO THE FOCAL LENGTH of a RADIOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT Expired - Lifetime EP1525592B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT001763A ITMI20021763A1 (en) 2002-08-02 2002-08-02 DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE ANTI-DIFFUSION GRID TO THE FOCAL DISTANCE FOR RADIOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT
ITMI20021763 2002-08-02
PCT/IT2003/000385 WO2004013866A2 (en) 2002-08-02 2003-06-23 Device for adjustment of the anti-scattering grid to the focal length for radiological equipment

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1525592A2 true EP1525592A2 (en) 2005-04-27
EP1525592B1 EP1525592B1 (en) 2009-05-13

Family

ID=31198621

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03736004A Expired - Lifetime EP1525592B1 (en) 2002-08-02 2003-06-23 DEVICE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF THE ANTI-SCATTERING GRID TO THE FOCAL LENGTH of a RADIOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US7206382B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1525592B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE431613T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2003237635A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60327631D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2324604T3 (en)
IT (1) ITMI20021763A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004013866A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE535571C2 (en) * 2011-03-17 2012-09-25 Holder for cylindrical curvature of an X-ray grid
EP3463091B1 (en) 2016-08-25 2019-10-09 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Variable focus x-ray anti scatter device
CN111759332A (en) * 2020-06-29 2020-10-13 赛诺威盛科技（北京）有限公司 Radian adjusting device, CT collimator and CT scanner

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3919559A (en) * 1972-08-28 1975-11-11 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Louvered film for unidirectional light from a point source
US5291539A (en) 1992-10-19 1994-03-01 General Electric Company Variable focussed X-ray grid
DE4305475C1 (en) 1993-02-23 1994-09-01 Siemens Ag Scattered radiation grid for an X-ray diagnostic device
JP2000217812A (en) * 1999-01-27 2000-08-08 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Scattered-beam eliminating grid and manufacture therefor
JP2000217813A (en) * 1999-01-27 2000-08-08 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Scattered-beam eliminating grid, grid apparatus, and manufacture of scattered-beam eliminating grid
EP1193721A3 (en) * 2000-09-28 2004-06-30 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Scattered ray absorption grid
SE0201295L (en) 2002-04-30 2003-07-22 Arcoma Ab Raster holder device, as well as X-ray diagnostic system including such

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2004013866A2 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITMI20021763A1 (en) 2004-02-03
WO2004013866A2 (en) 2004-02-12
DE60327631D1 (en) 2009-06-25
AU2003237635A1 (en) 2004-02-23
AU2003237635A8 (en) 2004-02-23
ATE431613T1 (en) 2009-05-15
US20050152500A1 (en) 2005-07-14
EP1525592B1 (en) 2009-05-13
US7206382B2 (en) 2007-04-17
WO2004013866A3 (en) 2004-07-15
ES2324604T3 (en) 2009-08-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4310766A (en) Motor driven x-ray grid and film-holder assembly
DE102005032288A1 (en) Radiographic device, has control unit considering position of radio-opaque articles available in space and outputting signal from radiography, when radio-opaque articles are determined in path of rays
EP1908405A2 (en) Dual-radiation type mammography apparatus and breast imaging method using the mammography
DE102016101599A1 (en) RADIATION IMAGE SYSTEM
CN104582574A (en) Electronic radiography system and signal relay device
WO2006094955A1 (en) X-ray device
US8983029B2 (en) Radiographic apparatus and method for the same
EP1525592A2 (en) Device for adjustment of the anti-scattering grid to the focal length for radiological equipment
JP2008006186A (en) X-ray diagnostic apparatus
WO2005027143A2 (en) Arrangement for collimating electromagnetic radiation
DE102005028904B4 (en) X-ray generator for an X-ray machine with X-ray lens module
EP2126930B1 (en) Add-on-x-ray-collimator for non-symmetrical beam collimation
CN1781451A (en) X-ray diagnostic device
EP1390956B1 (en) Method and apparatus for limiting a ray beam
NL1026195C2 (en) Collimator assembly for computer tomography system.
US20040151277A1 (en) Radiation image formation system
CN101588759B (en) Apparatus and method for a medical diagnosis
DE1572642A1 (en) Laser irradiation device
CN106361367A (en) Correction method of detector, and device and equipment using correction method
CN203016974U (en) X-ray CT (computerized tomography) equipment and filtering and transmitting mechanism thereof
JP4655673B2 (en) X-ray equipment
DE102013204269A1 (en) Scattering grating with variable focus distance, arrangement and method for adjusting the focal distance of a anti-scatter grid
EP3217408A2 (en) Focussing module for a form filter and form filter for adjusting a spatial intensity distribution of a x-ray beam
EP3322340B1 (en) Imaging with enhanced x-ray radiation
WO2005048846A1 (en) Collimator, x-ray irradiator, and x-ray apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20041214

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL LT LV MK

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20080502

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RTI1 Title (correction)

Free format text: DEVICE FOR ADJUSTMENT OF THE ANTI-SCATTERING GRID TO THE FOCAL LENGTH OF A RADIOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 60327631

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20090625

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2324604

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090913

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090813

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090630

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090813

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20100216

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20090813

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090630

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090623

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090814

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090813

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090623

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20091114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090513

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 13

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 14

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 60327631

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: GENERAL MEDICAL MERATE S.P.A., SERIATE, IT

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: MECALL S.R.L., LISSONE, MAILAND/MILANO, IT

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60327631

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: COHAUSZ HANNIG BORKOWSKI WISSGOTT PATENTANWALT, DE

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 60327631

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: COHAUSZ HANNIG BORKOWSKI WISSGOTT, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: PC2A

Owner name: GENERAL MEDICAL MERATE - S.P.A.

Effective date: 20161209

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CA

Effective date: 20170217

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: TP

Owner name: GENERAL MEDICAL MERATE S.P.A., IT

Effective date: 20170217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 15

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20220531

Year of fee payment: 20

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20220602

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20220705

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 60327631

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20230630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20230624